Hearty Sweet Potato Chili with Sausage

🌟 Welcome to Love With Recipes! 🌟 Today, we’re diving into a delightful and hearty dish that will warm your heart and soul. This Sweet Potato Chili is a unique twist on a classic, combining the sweet, earthy flavor of sweet potatoes with a small amount of sausage to keep it low-fat without sacrificing flavor. It’s a fantastic way to incorporate more orange veggies into your diet, and with its flexible sizes and amounts, you can customize it to suit your taste perfectly. Let’s get cooking! 🍲🥔🌶️

Sweet Potato Chili 🍠🌟

Description:
Sweet potatoes are an unusual yet delicious addition to this chili, and as a bonus, you get more orange veggies into your diet! The small amount of sausage also keeps the fat content low without sacrificing flavor. Sizes and amounts are flexible.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

Onions: 1-2, finely chopped
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
Chili Powder: 2 tablespoons
Oregano: 1 tablespoon, dried
Ground Cumin: 1 tablespoon
Cayenne Pepper: 1 teaspoon (optional, adjust to taste)
Diced Tomatoes: 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 cups, with their juice
Sweet Potatoes: 1 large, peeled and diced
Red Kidney Beans: 2 cups, drained and rinsed
Sugar: 1 teaspoon (optional, adjust to taste)
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
Cilantro or Parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped, for garnish

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: 366.1 kcal
Fat: 7.2 g
Saturated Fat: 2.2 g
Cholesterol: 11.8 mg
Sodium: 335 mg
Carbohydrates: 59.3 g
Fiber: 16.1 g
Sugars: 11.1 g
Protein: 19.5 g

Directions:

Prepare the Sausage: Remove the casings from the sausage and crumble the sausage meat into small pieces.
Cook the Sausage: In a large pot, brown the sausage meat over medium heat until no pink remains. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Ensure you stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add Aromatics and Spices: Add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot with the sausage. Stir in the chili powder, dried oregano, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions are softened and the spices are fragrant.
Combine the Main Ingredients: Add the diced tomatoes (along with their juice), drained and rinsed red kidney beans, and diced sweet potatoes to the meat mixture. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring often.
Simmer: Once the chili reaches a boil, cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent the bottom from sticking.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the chili and add sugar and/or salt as needed to adjust the flavor to your liking.
Serve and Garnish: Serve the chili hot, garnished with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for a burst of fresh flavor and vibrant color.

Chef’s Tips 🌟

Flexibility with Ingredients: Feel free to adjust the quantities of vegetables and beans according to your preference. You can also substitute the red kidney beans with black beans or pinto beans for a different twist.
Spice Level: The cayenne pepper is optional and can be adjusted based on your desired spice level. If you prefer a milder chili, you can omit it entirely.
Make it Vegetarian: To make this chili vegetarian, simply omit the sausage and add an extra can of beans or some chopped bell peppers for additional texture and flavor.
Storage: This chili tastes even better the next day! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestions 🍲

Pair this hearty Sweet Potato Chili with a side of crusty bread or warm cornbread to soak up all the delicious flavors. For a complete meal, serve it with a fresh green salad on the side. This chili is perfect for a cozy family dinner or for meal prepping your lunches for the week. Enjoy the comforting flavors and the nutritious boost from the sweet potatoes and beans. 🌿🍠🥣

Bon appétit from Love With Recipes! 💖✨